Runcorn and Widnes residents urged to consider consequences of legal high consumption

Police have issued guidance for Runcorn and Widnes residents to steer clear of legal highs as officers continue their battle against drugs.

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POLICE have issued guidance for Runcorn and Widnes residents to steer clear of legal highs as officers continue their battle against drugs.

A Cheshire police spokeswoman said that the effects of legal highs can leave users looking ‘lifeless’.

The spokeswoman added that they are not always used by illegal drug users and can ‘entice working professionals’ including landlords, teachers, musicians and managers.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “Legal highs are highly dangerous and can have significant health implications for those who use them.

“The emergency services have seen an increase in calls regarding legal highs, and it’s a topic that features often in the media.

“I want to reassure the communities across Cheshire that we’re here for them, when and where they need us.

“I want to stress that the police are taking action against sellers/distributors of legal highs through legislative powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“We want to stop users of legal highs coming to serious harm and protect others from anti-social behaviour, which is often linked to the use.”

Police are asking Halton people for their help in tackling drugs in the borough.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner John Dwyer said that it is ‘worrying’ that people of all ages across the county are ‘willing to take the risk’ of consuming legal highs.

He added: “Just because a substance is called a legal high, doesn’t mean that it’s safe – you can never be sure what is in a legal high and what its affects will be.

“I urge people to think about the potential consequences of their actions before making a potential life-changing decision.”

Wayne Pemberton is a senior paramedic for North West Ambulance Service and has seen at first hand the effects of legal highs.

He said: “These substances are not designed for human consumption and people should not be fooled into thinking they are safe because of their nickname.

“I myself have witnessed a change in the extremity of the symptoms presented in people who have taken these ‘legal highs,’ such as hallucination, unconsciousness and even respiratory arrest and, as we have no idea what chemicals have gone into the drugs, it can be difficult to know how to treat these patients.

“It is particularly concerning seeing young people take these substances as they become extremely vulnerable and can easily get themselves into dangerous positions as they lose their inhibitions are not in control of their actions.”

Residents who have any information regarding legal highs or drugs can call Cheshire police on 101.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.